Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has confirmed Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu as the Deputy Secretary General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, representing Delta State in its Global Executive Council (GEC).
The confirmation and swearing-in ceremony took place during the Global Executive Council meeting held at the Ohanaeze National Headquarters in Enugu and presided over by the President-General of the organisation, Azuta Mbata.
Odogwu, a prominent businessman and President of the Asaba Development Union, Abuja, replaces the late Chief Dan Okenyi, the immediate past Deputy Secretary General, who died last year.
A statement issued on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, noted that Odogwu brings extensive experience in banking, management, entrepreneurship and consultancy to the office.
The organisation expressed confidence that his experience would further strengthen the administrative and organisational effectiveness of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Speaking during the inauguration, Senator Mbata charged the newly sworn-in Deputy Secretary General to discharge his duties with diligence, patriotism and commitment to the Igbo cause.
He urged Odogwu to uphold the ideals of the organisation and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Ndigbo globally.
According to Mbata, the new appointee must approach the office with “utmost diligence, integrity, patriotism and unwavering commitment to the unity, progress and collective aspirations of Ndigbo worldwide.”
The Ohanaeze President-General further urged him to support the organisation’s vision of “equity, justice, peace and socio-cultural advancement of the Igbo nation.”
In his acceptance speech, Odogwu expressed appreciation to the leadership of Ohanaeze for finding him worthy of the position, pledging to serve with humility, dedication and transparency.
“I will discharge my responsibilities with humility, dedication, transparency and a deep sense of service to Ndi Igbo,” he stated.
He also paid glowing tribute to the National Vice President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ngozi Olejeme, describing her as “the Amazon of Niger Delta.”
Odogwu commended Dr. Olejeme for what he described as her exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to the organisation, noting that her service had continued to make Anioma people proud within Ohanaeze.
“Dr. Olejeme’s commitment, courage and service to the Igbo nation remain a source of inspiration to me,” he said.
He further assured that he would emulate her leadership style while striving to deliver impactful representation and selfless service to both Ohanaeze and the Anioma people.
